The Discipline
European studies is an interdisciplinary degree designed to
combine advanced-language experience with study in humanities,
social science, and/or business. Courses are taught by European
experts from across a variety of BYU's academic departments and
are intended to develop skills in analytical thinking, methods of
interpretation, perceptive reading, competent writing, as well
as an in-depth understanding of European affairs. Building on the
University Core and GE Foreign Language requirements, the
European studies degree is grounded in an introduction to
European studies (Europ 200) and 12 hours of European history.
At the junior level, the degree splits into two tracks:
- Track A: 12 credit hours in European society which draws from
history, political science, economics, business, sociology, and
geography.
- Track B: 12 credit hours of European culture which draws from
the humanities, language and literature, art history, philosophy,
etc.
At the senior level, students take an additional 12 credit hours
focused on an interrelated set of European issues decided upon in
conjunction with the European studies coordinator.
Career Opportunities
The European studies degree can lead to a number of excellent
career possibilities. With a broad, general background in
European languages and area knowledge, graduates are well
prepared for careers in international branches of government,
nonprofit organizations, international industry and commerce,
domestic and foreign teaching, the Peace Corps, the military, and
many other professions requiring an expert knowledge of
European language, culture, and politics.
The Eurpoean studies major is also excellent training for
professional schooling in international business, law, medicine,
journalism, editing, advertising, etc. Many previous area studies
graduates have chosen jobs in the State Department, Citizenship
and Immigration Services, the FBI, and international agencies.
Students are encouraged to double major or at least have a
strong minor in another discipline to enhance their career
prospects. The combination of European areas studies with another
discipline is attractive to employers.
